I have posted a few comments on 1912s that I have offered for sale or have seen on the BST. I was asked what dimensions my 1912 was since I called it a small head version. Well, I figured it was about time to do a little explaining. The 1912 is my preferred SE, and yes I have tried a Streamline. Here is a comparison of two different versions of the 1912.

I have seen three variations of the 1912. A small head with a curved cap, a small head with creased cap, and then the more common taller head with creased cap.

I am no expert but these are my beliefs. If I am wrong, please correct me. It is my understanding that Gem produced the 1912 and then other companies (Ever Ready, Star, etc..) started to produce them. I do not know if Gem was purchased or sold the rights to the design.

Here is what I believe to be true.

Gem small head with curved cap was the first produced. These are very very comfortable. Hands down my favorite, although I do not have one as I traded it to another member here . I believe these to be the first, as I have never seen these produced by any other company beside Gem. Some of these are not stamped Gem on the back. Some of these caps can be seen on the Damaskeene.

Gem small head with creased cap. Later production, and I also have never seen one that isn't a Gem. These commonly have Brooklyn stamped inside. A little more aggressive than the curved head model, but still very comfortable.

Common taller head version- the latest model produced. I have seen these produced by numerous companies including Gem, Star, Ever Ready etc. These are the most aggressive of the bunch but still comfortable. The British version falls into the taller head version. The British model being slightly more aggressive than the US model.

I only have two 1912s left, but I can illustrate the differences (minus the curved cap)

On the left is an Ever Ready British 1912 on the right is a Gem 1912. The Gem pictured may be a curved cap version as it does not have a crease. But I recall the cap on the curved head version to be more pronounced. This may be a 4th version.

The difference being on how tall the head is. I lined up the hinges on these two. Notice how much taller the British 1912 is. It is easily seen when comparing the two dimples/rivets and the distance to where the handle screws in.

Now here is the creased cap I mentioned. The Gem does not have a crease, but isn't as curved as the curved head model I remember. I do not have one to do a direct comparison. You can see how the reflection changes at the crease.